Ava paused breathing the smell of lemon-scented disinfectant, oil and coffee that was ever present inside. It might not be a welcome smell to everyone but it was relaxing and familiar to her. “Lynn?” Gretchen looked up at the sound of the door. “Honey is that really you?”
Her mother blinked looking at their surroundings as if seeing them for the first time. “I took orders, served food and coffee, cleared the tables, washed dishes, even learned to cook a few things for twelve hours every day. This was the kids’ table where they would sit and do their ho
Ava breathed a sigh of relief when her mother finally departed. Tracy gave her a brief hug before following Grace out as she had driven the older woman to the diner. Before Tracy left she whispered she would call later to check up on her and that she was proud of her. Perhaps Ava should feel bad
“Call him back. Tell me to meet me at my condo…say five o’clock,” Silas finally said. “Are you sure that’s wise? You really don’t have any reason to meet with him.” “Call it curiosity. The fact he called at all is strange.” Thomas smirked. Well it wouldn’t
“Are you implying Marilynn has been trying to kill Ava since they were children?” Silas demanded his gaze suddenly going cold and dangerous. “And you claim you knew nothing about it?” Emerson hung his head, “I have no excuse for not knowing what was happening under my own roof. But I’
“Here we are,” Silas offered his hand to help her out. Ava smiled nervously as his hand slid naturally to the middle of her back escorting her inside. The interior of the restaurant was warm and inviting. They were given a table in a quiet corner providing some measure of privacy. Si
“Doesn’t look like a mistake to me,” Anne said. “They’ve been like that for the past twenty minutes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Silas smile so much, or at all.” Marilynn’s face flushed red as she met her friends’ smirking expressions. They had been waiting to rub this in her face.
“Well my love. Do you want to go home? Or shall we take a couple turns around the park?” “A couple turns around the park sounds nice.” “All right.” Silas smiled leaning over to the intercom controls. “Take a couple turns and the park. And Thomas, no interruptions unless
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their